Saturday, May 24, 4:08 PM on FS1

Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan

Texas Rangers - Martinez, N (0-1) vs. Detroit Tigers - Porcello, R (7-1)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Saturday afternoon, the Texas Rangers will send Nick Martinez to the mound to face the Detroit Tigers and Rick Porcello.  Martinez will be making his 4th start and 9th appearance as Porcello makes his 9th start.

Nick Martinez pitched to a no decision in his last outing and without a result, his record stayed at 0 - 1 with a 2.28 ERA.  In that start, Martinez allowed a run (on a solo homer) on 4 hits in 5 innings.  He walked 3 while striking out 3.  Martinez has been solid this season for the Rangers as he has started games and worked from the bullpen. 

Since this is his first season in the majors, Martinez has yet to face the Tigers.  With a good scouting report, he should learn enough to face Detroit with some confidence.  

Rick Porcello had been listed as day to day as he dealt with left oblique soreness but he should be able to make the start on Saturday.   The Tigers definitely want Porcello on the hill as he comes into this one with a 6 game win streak.  Porcello took his record to 7 – 1 and lowered his ERA to 2.91 after getting the win in his last start.  In that outing, Porcello allowed just a run (on a solo homer) on 6 hits through 8 innings as he walked 1 and struck out 4.   Last season, Porcello was 13 – 8 with a 4.32 ERA in 29 starts and 3 relief appearances.

In 2013, Porcello won his only start against the Rangers with a 1 run, 5 hit in 5.2 inning performance.  Texas’ Geovany Soto is batting .571 against Porcello with 2 home runs and 2 RBIs.         

Texas Rangers Betting Trends

Texas Rangers are 20-22-4 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Texas Rangers is 0.2

Detroit Tigers Betting Trends

Detroit Tigers are 19-21-2 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Detroit Tigers is 0.7

Injuries to Watch

Texas Rangers

05/21/14 1B Prince Fielder Neck questionable
05/21/14 CF Leonys Martin Neck questionable
05/21/14 P Martin Perez Elbow 60-day DL (5/11)
05/14/14 P Matt Harrison Back 15-day DL (5/14)
05/08/14 3B Donnie Murphy Neck 15-day DL (5/8)
04/25/14 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff Back 15-day DL (4/23)
04/23/14 P Pedro Figueroa Elbow 60-day DL (4/23)
04/19/14 LF James Adduci Finger 15-day DL (4/19)
04/18/14 P Tanner Scheppers Elbow 15-day DL (4/18)
04/08/14 P Joe Saunders Ankle 15-day DL (4/5)
03/31/14 C Geovany Soto Knee 60-day DL (3/30)
03/31/14 2B Jurickson Profar Shoulder 60-day DL (3/23)
03/28/14 P Derek Holland Knee 60-day DL (3/3)
03/28/14 RF Engel Beltre Leg 60-day DL (3/26)
03/28/14 P Joe Ortiz Foot 60-day DL (2/14)

Detroit Tigers

05/02/14 P Joel Hanrahan Elbow 15-day DL (5/2)
04/21/14 P Luke Putkonen Elbow 15-day DL (4/19)
03/28/14 LF Andy Dirks Back 60-day DL (3/29)
03/28/14 P Bruce Rondon Elbow 60-day DL (3/29), out for season
03/27/14 SS Jose Iglesias Stress Fracture 60-day DL (3/29)

Josh's Pick: Take Detroit

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